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Wednesday, 27 January 2016

So it's been a week since my first publication day and
I just wanted to thank all the readers, bloggers, authors and friends who have showed Mel
and I such immense support. I was wished a ‘happy book birthday’ the day Web of Deceit
was released, and that phrase still makes me smile now. For those of you who
have left reviews on the Amazon sites, Goodreads, Blogs, Google Play and
elsewhere, I send you a virtual hug. I now truly understand the importance of
reviews, and pleased that as I reader I have left one for every book I’ve read over
the past year.

Web of Deceit is a special story for me
because there is some truth behind it. I did befriend someone on-line and met-up with her in "real life." It’s an honour and a privilege
that that dear friend is now also my mentor and writing partner in crime. Our
novella is not only an introduction to me as an author, but something to whet your appetite. The rumours are true, Mel and I are
currently working on a new crime series, so watch this space for more info.

If you haven’t read Web of Deceit yet,
click on any of the links below to purchase our eBook for 99p/99c.

Saturday, 23 January 2016

My debut novel, In The Shadows, is due for release in March 2016 and I'm over the moon to share with you that I have completed my editing process... For now, anyway.

I have read articles about authors who said writing the book was the easy part of the process and wow, am I beginning to understand that. Luckily, In The Shadows flowed from my mind on to the keyboard; it's great to see your thoughts become real words on the screen. Then you finally type "the end" and there's a feeling of accomplishment: that's right, I did that and hell yeah, I just wrote a book! To say I wasn't ready for what came next is an understatement.

You need energy and concentration for the editing process. You must be critical of your own writing and try not to cry when you read an entire chapter that doesn't make sense. I didn't cry, but I was worried about some parts I had created. I shouldn't be too hard on myself, when you're writing at midnight some nights, your mind may not be completely switched on.

I've learnt that it's okay, and that is what editing is all about. Noticing your mistakes, creating a way for your book to sound better, read better and bring the characters to life is what this process is about. It's true, the chances of anyone actually reading the first draft of you novel are extremely slim. I spent a lot of time in the editing process. It was important to me that I did because In The Shadows is an important story that I want to tell.

And just when I was in a place of happiness and serenity after two months of editing the tension increases. I'm waiting for my professional editor's thoughts regarding the book... nail-biting time for sure!